Mirror - Automatic Day/night — Chevrolet Caprice Impala SS (1995-1996)

DESCRIPTION

Electrochromic day/night rearview mirror automatically changes reflectance to reduce glare from headlights. At night, as glare of headlamps from behind increases, mirror will gradually become darker to absorb glare. During daylight or when shift selector is in REVERSE position, mirror will be clear and fully reflective. On vehicles with Regular Production Option (RPO) code DD0, driver side outside mirror will also be an electrochromic day/night mirror that is controlled by inside mirror. Inside rearview mirrors on Ninety Eight and Eighty Eight models also include a compass.

OPERATION

Day/night mirror(s) use a thin layer of electrochromic material between 2 plates of conductive glass. Two photocell sensors signal levels of light to a logic circuit. A forward facing photocell sensor measures ambient light levels. A rear facing photocell sensor measures glare from approaching vehicle headlights. When logic circuit senses more light from the headlight sensor than the ambient light sensor, the electrochromic drive circuit applies voltage to mirror(s). Approximately 1.15 volts is applied to mirror(s) when a large amount of glare is present, causing mirror(s) to darken. Voltage will be reduced to 0.01 volt when both photocells indicate the same light level.

When shift selector is put into reverse, battery voltage is applied to mirror reset terminal. Mirror will gradually change to a clear state for better vision when backing up.

TESTING

Note. Electrochromic mirror cannot be repaired and must be replaced as an assembly.

SYSTEM CHECK FOR NORMAL OPERATION

Turn ignition to RUN position and shift selector to PARK position. Place mirror ON-OFF switch to ON position or OFF-MIN-MAX switch to MAX position. Cover ambient photocell sensor (windshield side) with a dark cloth. Shine a flashlight onto headlight photocell sensor (mirror side). If inside rear view mirror and left outside mirror (if equipped) gradually darken, go to next step. If mirror(s) do not darken, check connections. If connections are okay, check Pink wire and/or Pink/Black wire circuit between mirror ON-OFF switch and fuse block for an open or a short to ground. Check Black wire or Black/White ground circuit for an open. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/caprice-impala-ss/1995-1996/remont/mirrors/#mirror-automatic-daynight) .
DO NOT remove dark cloth and flashlight. Move shift selector to REVERSE position. If mirror(s) gradually lightens to a clear state, go to step 4). If outside mirror does not lighten, go to next step. If mirror(s) does not lighten, check connections. If connections are okay, check park/neutral position switch operation. If park/neutral position switch is okay, check Light Green wire circuit between inside mirror and park/neutral position switch. If Light Green wire circuit is okay, check Pink wire circuit between park/neutral position switch and fuse block.
If electrochromic outside mirror (if equipped) did not change, check Gray wire and Pink wire circuits between inside mirror and outside mirror.
DO NOT remove dark cloth and flashlight. Place shift selector to PARK position. Mirror(s) should gradually darken. Remove dark cloth and flashlight. Mirror(s) should gradually lighten to a clear state. If mirror(s) change as described, system is operating normally. If mirror(s) do not change as described and fuses, connections and circuits are okay, replace suspect mirror assembly and retest system.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

CAUTION

Electrochromic material may irritate eyes and skin. In case of eye contact rinse thoroughly with water. In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If material is ingested, consult a physician or poison control center immediately.

Note. It is not necessary to use tools or other objects to pry mirror mount or mirror away from windshield. Use of tools may damage mirror, mirror mount or windshield.

Removal

Gain access to mirror wiring harness inside of headliner. Disconnect mirror harness connector. Adjust mirror to full down position. Grasp mirror with left hand between mirror and windshield. With right hand positioned at other end of mirror, pull mirror away from support. (Scheme 4)

Installation

Center bottom of inside rearview mirror to top of mirror support. Slide mirror onto mirror support keeping mirror parallel to windshield. As mirror mount starts to grip, apply at least 20 lbs. of force to fully seat mirror onto mirror support. A click will be heard when mirror is fully seated. Connect mirror harness connector. Install harness and connector into headliner. (Scheme 4)

Disconnect negative battery cable. To remove door switches, pry from front or rear of switch panel to release retaining tabs. Carefully remove all switches and warning light/reflector from door panel. Disconnect wiring connectors. Remove all retaining screws and door panel fasteners. Remove door panel.
Peel water deflector back to access mirror wiring connector and retaining nuts. Disconnect wiring connector. While supporting mirror, remove mirror retaining nuts and remove mirror. To install reverse removal procedure. Tighten mirror retaining nuts to 54 INCH lbs. (6 N.m).